Zarecky Lowers His Expectations as USIU Visits a Hot USD Tonight

A year ago, United States International University Coach Gary Zarecky brought his basketball team into the USD Sports Center to face the University of San Diego with high expectations.

Zarecky’s Gulls, one of the highest-scoring teams in the country, played well but lost, 96-82. Afterward, Zarecky was depressed.

“I think I may have expected too much,” Zarecky said.

He knows not to expect too much tonight when the Gulls again visit USD for a 7:30 game. Even though USIU (8-14) may have improved over last season, Zarecky knows that he’s facing one of the hottest teams on the West Coast. USD (18-4) has won eight straight and 13 of its last 14 games.

“We’re going into the game trying to win,” Zarecky said. “But there’s no doubt we’re going to have to put in some wrinkles to try and compensate for their edge in talent.”

USIU has been inconsistent this season. The Gulls’ biggest victory came two weeks ago, when they beat San Diego State, 87-81.

“We have the potential to play with them (USD), but we also have the potential to get blown out,” Zarecky said. “I just hope our good team shows up.”